Don't Forget to Pack These 10 Things on Your Honeymoon

If there is one thing that will get you through the wedding planning process (and yes, besides the whole marry-the-love-of-your-life part), it's the honeymoon. The honeymoon is pretty much the white light off in the distance that you continually look to in the middle of your planning. It's the silver lining. The reward for licking 300 envelopes. The final destination after months of cake tastings, dress fittings, vendor appointments and venue tours. Whether it's 10 days in Europe or a weekend in Southwest Michigan, you don't really care at the end of your wedding exhaustion; it's a vacation!

If you're anything like me, once you saw the end of the planning drawing near, you rejoiced. I say the word "rejoice" because I can't think of a more fitting word to describe the feeling I had. And then I realized that I had to get myself organized and pack for my honeymoon. At that point, I couldn't imagine organizing one more thing. Fortunately, I was able to download an easy, check-it-off list that laid my packing essentials out for me. In your excitement, busyness, or lack of organization, it's still easy to overlook the less-essential things. With that said, we went ahead and took the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a list of items that brides frequently forget. 

Cash

Your honeymoon is the only place where it's perfectly acceptable to carry around a wad of one dollar bills. Carrying singles around allows you to easily tip without having to frequently make change. I would suggest bringing about a hundred dollars of cash for a one-week vacation. 

Medication

Did you eat the spicy tuna from the Mediterranean restaurant? You'll need Pepto-Bismal. Did you have too many shots with Pedro the bartender last night? You'll be wanting some aspirin. Are you hoping to not conceive a child on your honeymoon? You'll need your contraceptive. Plan ahead for upset stomachs, headaches and allergies. 

Chargers: phone, tablet, camera

Remembering to pack your phone, tablet and camera is half the battle. Remembering to bring chargers and adapters for those things is the other half. The most frequently forgotten items are almost always the most obvious ones. 

Sunglasses

This is a small item that all too often gets overlooked, usually because we leave them in purses, cars, or on tables. Avoid having to quickly run into an airport store and having to settle for a pair you don't love. It's also worth packing two pairs in case one pair gets lost or broken.

Extra contact lenses

So many people wear their contacts to the airport and forget to bring a backup pair. Spending  your honeymoon being able to see out of only one eye after you lose one of your contacts can really put a damper on a vacation. No amount of tequila can straighten that one out. 

Aloe Vera

People seem to remember the sunscreen but forget the aloe vera. It's easy to remember the first application of sunblock before you hit the beach. But usually, we forget to re-apply, which is necessary to prevent sunburn when you're in intense sun for hours. The more Mai Tais you have on the beach, the less likely it is that you will re-apply your sunscreen. Bring the aloe vera for the soothing you'll most definitely need!

Crackers or dry snacks

Unfortunately, there may come a point in your vacation when your stomach can't bear the thought of more spicy food or ethnic food. If you're sick or hungover, you'll be glad to have the comfort of familiar, dry snacks around. Your stomach will thank you.

One pair of shoes you love and one pair you had to have

Undoubtedly, you went shopping for the honeymoon. And you likely purchased a pair of had-to-have shoes that will pair perfectly with your little black dress. Plan on wearing those shoes only one night because your feet will hurt! But it's always worth it. For the other days and nights, bring shoes you know you can depend on and rock with the remainder of your outfits! Nothing ruins a good day of touring like uncomfortable shoes.

Work out clothes

I know, I know. No one wants to work out on their honeymoon. But take it from someone who got into a pretty awesome routine to get in shape for the honeymoon, and got out of shape during the honeymoon. You know what's harder than going back to real life after the honeymoon? Going back to the gym after the honeymoon. Stay in habit throughout the honeymoon and you won't regret it. 

A Copy of Your Passport and Driver's license

Usually, remembering your passport and form of identification is a no-brainer, but don't forget to make copies and bring them along, too! Think of how small your passport is. Plus, you really need to carry identification everywhere  between airports, transportation and hotels. I've never been trapped in a foreign country, but I would imagine it won't be the highlight of your trip. It's also a good idea to carry your medical insurance with you at all times (the copy) and leave the original in your hotel room. 

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